Police Cracking Down On Distracted Driving In Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford police will have increased enforcement targeting distracting driving during the month of April as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced this week the launch of a statewide distracted driving enforcement and new public awareness campaign.

In partnership with state and local law enforcement and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the campaign will “step up efforts to enforce distracted-driving laws” from April 1 to April 30, according to a news release.

Additionally, the state DOT is launching a new public awareness campaign to “show how distractions are causing crashes, injuries, and fatalities on Connecticut roads.”

Stratford police said residents should expect to see increased enforcement throughout the entire month in the following areas:

• Barnum Ave at Longbrook Ave
• Huntington Rd at Hawley Ln
• Main St at Access Rd
• West Broad at Linden Ave
• Main St at Oronoque Ln
• Lordship Blvd at Surf Ave
• Honeyspot Rd at Birdseye St
• Stratford Ave at Main St
• Stratford Ave at Surf Ave
• Bruce Ave at Hollister St
• North Ave at Main St
• Barnum Ave at Boston Ave
• East Main St at Ferry Blvd
• Barnum Ave at Main St
• Nichols Ave at North Ave
• Main St at East Main St

Read more from the Connecticut Department of Transportation below:

Nationally in 2022, 3,308 people were killed, and nearly 290,000 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, there were 5,318 crashes attributed to distracted driving that resulted in eight fatalities and more than 787 injuries.

“Safety should always be the top priority for drivers, and that means focusing on the road, not on a screen,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Every moment you spend behind the wheel requires your full attention. This enforcement and awareness campaign is a clear reminder that distracted driving is both illegal and deadly. Let’s all do our part and commit to making Connecticut’s roads safer for everyone.”

“One moment of distraction can change everything,” said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. “Stay focused, stay responsible, and help keep our roads safe for everyone.”

“Every year, hundreds of crashes occur on our roadways due to drivers being distracted by their devices,” said Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger, Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee. “Connecticut’s police officers are committed to keeping our roads and highways safe for all and will be actively enforcing the state’s distracted driving laws.”

The CTDOT urges drivers to prioritize safety by eliminating distractions while driving. Follow these simple tips to stay safe on the road:

• If you need to send or receive a text, pull over and park in a safe location before using your phone.
• Designate a passenger to manage calls and messages while you drive.
• Avoid social media use while driving—no post is worth risking your life.
• Do not use a vehicle’s “infotainment” screen or other portable video players while operating a motor vehicle.
• If you struggle to resist checking your device, enable the “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or place your phone out of reach in the glove box or back seat until you arrive.

For more information on distracted driving prevention, visit nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.